Final answer:
Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, so the statement is false. However, prompt treatment upon diagnosis is still crucial to prevent local tissue damage. Surgical and topical treatments are effective when the condition is detected early.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is false that basal cell carcinoma must be treated ASAP because it is likely to metastasize. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer that occurs in the stem cells of the basal layer of the epidermis and is known to rarely metastasize. Though not highly metastatic, treatment is still recommended as soon as it is diagnosed. This is because the cancer can grow and lead to significant tissue damage and disfigurement mostly in the area where it originated. Early treatment typically involves methods such as surgery, cryosurgery, or topical ointments, which are highly effective if the cancer is caught in its initial stages. Basal cell carcinoma often presents as a pearly or waxy bump on the sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the head, neck, arms, and back, and is primarily caused by long-term exposure to UV rays.